Cal, Stanford get pumped up for Big Game

The 114th Big Game between Stanford and Cal is set for Saturday at Stanford. A few weeks ago if you looked at this game on paper, you might have thought this one would be a slam dunk for Stanford, but after their devastating loss to the Ducks last weekend and suddenly Cal has a little swagger.

In 2009, Stanford was in line for a Rose Bowl berth, until quarterback Andrew Luck threw an interception to Mike Mohammed and Cal held on to win The Big Game down on The Farm.

Last year at Cal, Luck threw two touchdown passes leading the Cardinal to victory in Berkeley, but Stanford is coming off their first loss in 17 games, which cost them a possible shot at a national title.

"The guys are a little more pissed off this week because we're coming off a loss, the guys are hungry, trying to get that taste out of our mouth, not used to losing and don't want to lose anymore," said Stanford safety Michael Thomas.

Meanwhile, Cal has won two straight and they know The Big Game involves a lot more emotion.

"The environment is great, the fans come out, you see all the alumni, the players are juiced, the coaches are juiced, everybody's just having a good time. Everybody's going to get up for this game, it's going to be great, you cannot not get emotional for this game," said Cal running back C.J. Anderson.

With tradition comes respect and a little bit of disdain.

"We definitely respect them. They're a good team and I think they respect us as well, it doesn't mean we have to like each other per say, so it's going to be a fun time Saturday," said Luck.

The Bears are 20-point underdogs, but could care less.

"This is The Big Game, so anything can happen, everything goes out the window, stats, records, and stuff like that because everybody's playing with a lot of passion. Definitely winning The Big Game makes it a successful season," said Cal defensive end Trevor Guyton.

The 114th version of The Big Game will be settled Saturday down on The Farm.